Local veterans get a helping hand with home repairs

Trinity Lutheran Church mission group traveled hundreds of miles from Northport, NY to repair homes for local Charleston veterans in need.

"Words can describe how I’m feeling right now…to come out this morning and see what I've been praying for,” Harvey Simmons, local veteranhomeowner, said.

Simmons was surprised with a new electronic scooter Friday, to use with the newly built 65-ft wheelchair accessible ramp.

“It's just a wonderful feeling,” Simmons said. “It’s amazing to see what they’ve accomplished in a week’s time.”

Last year, the group connected with the Charleston VA Medical Center and the hospital’s Voluntary Service Department to repair veteran homes in Savannah, GA.

This week, the mission group returned to aid veterans in the Charleston area. Social workers from the Charleston VA helps identify veterans in need.

The 40-person team funds their own trip and materials. $12,000 of donations will fund repairs for ten veteran homes; work ranges from paintingto structural repairs.

“The front steps were a little rickety,” Lorraine Hughes, co-leader of the mission group, said of the Simmons’ home. “They made us nervous going up and down so I can’t imagine if we didn’t have full mobility, how it would be.”

Hughes said she hopes their volunteering inspires others to do the same.

"Not only are we helping somebody, but we are helping people that have served our country,” Hughes said. “That's just an added bonus."

“We are so grateful to Pastor Bruce and his team for travelling hundreds of miles and giving of their time and treasure,” said Fred Lesinski, Voluntary Service Program Manager. “Our Veterans are fortunate to benefit from the generosity of community-based resources and organizations near and far to meet needs that go beyond VA health care.”